Ontario Supporting New Sport Facilities for 2021 Canada Games

Priority Project Will Create New Canada Games Park and New Jobs in Niagara Region

NIAGARA — Ontario is supporting the 2021 Canada Games by committing to a cost-shared investment of $29 million for the construction of new sport facilities, which will support athletes and bring new jobs to Niagara region.

"I am thrilled that our province is hosting the Games. For the Niagara region, hosting a national sport event is a tremendous opportunity to reap the economic and social rewards that come with it," said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. "Not only will this project create an amazing, unforgettable experience for athletes, but new sport and recreation facilities will be enjoyed by residents of all ages and abilities."

Minister MacLeod announced today that Niagara Region's proposed 2021 Canada Games Infrastructure Project will be nominated for federal approval under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). Pending federal approval and contributions from other partners, provincial funding will support facilities at the Canada Games Park in Thorold; the Henley Rowing Centre in St. Catharines; baseball fields in Welland and Niagara Falls; softball fields in Grimsby, West Lincoln, and Wainfleet; and upgrades to its cycling course.

"We are elated that the provincial government has committed their support for additional infrastructure funding for the 2021 Canada Games," said Doug Hamilton, Board Chair for the Niagara 2021 Host Society. "New facilities will enable us to provide a phenomenal experience and leave a transformative legacy for our entire community to enjoy for many years to come."

The 2021 Canada Games facilities in Niagara are a priority for the province, having previously invested $10.35 million. The 2021 Canada Games has already raised significant funding, and the Games themselves will cover $47 million of the projected $105 million total cost for the Games.

The next step is for the federal government to review the project and make final funding decisions to match the $29 million contribution of the provincial government. With tight construction timelines to be ready for the summer of 2021, the provincial government urged their federal counterparts to signal their intent as soon as possible to make this vital sport and recreational infrastructure a reality for the Canada Summer Games, Niagara Region, and the benefit of all Ontarians.

"Participation in sport contributes to better health, provides role models for the pursuit of personal excellence, exemplifies the value of teamwork and builds community pride," said Laurie Scott, Minister of Infrastructure. "To support these goals, our government is investing in programs and initiatives that promote active recreation and athlete development for people of all abilities."

Ontario's government is taking a people-first approach to culture and sport. Working with agencies, community partners and businesses, the province is making strategic investments to make Ontario the best place to play and be active.

Quick Facts

The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program is a $30-billion, 10-year infrastructure program cost-shared between federal, provincial and municipal governments. The funding is spread across four streams: rural and northern, public transit, community, culture and recreation and green.

The Canada Games are held every two years, alternating between winter and summer games, and involve athletes from every province and territory. The 2021 Games will welcome 5,000 participants and are expected to be the largest Canada Games ever with over 200,000 spectators from across the country.

For the 2021 Games, Ontario has already committed $3 million in capital funding and $7.35 million in operating funding for a total of $10.35 million.

Team Ontario is supported by the Ontario government through its Games Ontario program, which delivers or supports multi-sport events, including the Ontario Winter and Summer Games for youth, the Ontario 55+ Summer and Winter Games and the Ontario Parasport Games.

Additional Resources

Quotes

“Ontario’s support for this proposal will ensure our athletes, visitors and residents alike have a great Canada 2021 Games and experience in the Niagara Region, and this legacy project will open numerous doors of opportunity for our beautiful Niagara.”

Sam Oosterhoff

MPP, Niagara West

“The Niagara Region welcomes the funding commitment from the provincial government to assist in meeting the cost of the construction of legacy projects for the 2021 Canada Summer Games. This announcement provides the green light needed to move forward immediately with our plan and will contribute immensely to the success of the Games.”